Serie A giants confirm they are in talks with Barcelona-linked defender – ‘We are in negotiations’

4 days ago 2

The January transfer window continues to throw up twists, and the situation surrounding Joao Cancelo is quickly becoming one of the most delicate.

Inter Milan, who had emerged as a serious contender for the Portuguese defender, have confirmed they are in talks with the defender, but his salary demands are posing a significant challenge.

Cancelo’s name has gained momentum in recent weeks largely because of his availability and the clear need for defensive reinforcements at both Barcelona and Inter Milan.

However, while both clubs admire the player, the financial reality has complicated matters significantly.

The defender’s desire is not in doubt. Cancelo is eager to return to Barcelona and has been deliberately slowing down talks with Inter as he waits for a definitive signal from the Catalan club.

Despite this, his potential arrival does not enjoy full consensus within Barcelona’s sporting department, even if the club currently hold the upper hand in the race.

Inter Milan in talks

At this stage, Barcelona and Inter remain the only two clubs realistically in contention for a loan move.

Inter were proactive early in negotiations, but Cancelo’s priority has consistently been a return to Camp Nou.

As such, Inter’s interest was publicly confirmed by club president Giuseppe Marotta. Explaining the club’s situation at right-back, Marotta stated,

Inter are in talks with Joao Cancelo. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)

“Dumfries will be out for two more months and we are negotiating with João Cancelo. We need to find a solution at right-back,” he said as quoted by SPORT.

However, Marotta was equally clear about the main stumbling block. Addressing the complexity of the deal, he admitted,

“Cancelo has a huge salary. We are in negotiations to clarify the situation.”

Marotta also touched on discussions involving Al-Hilal, revealing, “they want a new centre-back… We’ll see.”

Salary a real issue

Cancelo currently earns close to €15 million net per season, a figure that is simply too high for both Barcelona and Inter under present conditions.

It goes without saying that paying €7.5 million for half a season is a major commitment.

Al-Hilal have offered to cover around half of that cost, between €3–4 million, but even with that support, the operation remains extremely complex.

For now, Cancelo continues to wait for Barcelona, but unless a financial breakthrough occurs, his long-awaited return to the Blaugrana may remain just out of reach.

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